Bluff Park Neighborhood Reader - July/August 2026

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About Us

The Bluff Park Neighborhood Reader is a bi-monthly magazine published by JBMC Media, a Bluff Parkbased, family-owned publisher of magazines in the Birmingham metro area. The magazine is mailed to more than 4,300 homes and businesses in the Bluff Park area.

Subscriptions are available to anyone outside our immediate mailing area for $30 per year. Email subscribe@jbmcmedia.com for details on how to subscribe or send a gift subscription.

Does your business want to connect with Bluff Park residents? Call or email us: (205) 883-1877, advertise@jbmcmedia.com, and let’s talk!

All content in this magazine remains the property of JBMC Media, LLC. Any requests to reprint or republish should be directed to matthew@jbmcmedia.com.

Copyright 2026. All rights reserved.

Matthew Allen Publisher (205) 883-1877 matthew@jbmcmedia.com

Michelle Salem Haynes Marketing Consultant (205) 381-1311 michelle@jbmcmedia.com

June Mathews Freelance Writer junebugwrites@gmail.com

Heather Jones Skaggs Content Director bluffwriter@gmail.com

Emily VanderMey Listo Project Manager & Graphic Designer Molly Smith Photographer

Ted Perry Cover Designer & Graphic Designer

If you’ve spent any time on Farley Road, you already know the real celebrity of Bluff Park isn’t a person at all. It’s Barney, the 5-year-old Cardigan Welsh corgi who has earned the affectionate title “Mayor of Bluff Park.” In this issue, meet Terry and Rhonda Harris and the front porch life they’ve built. It is a story filled with neighborly vibes, good cooking, and the kind of community spirit that makes Bluff Park feel like a small town in the best possible way.

From there, we celebrate the achievements of Lexie Beard, a Spain Park graduate whose character and commitment to service earned her a prestigious Finley Award. Her story is a testament to what happens when a young person is surrounded by mentors, family, and a community that lifts her up.

You’ll also meet Michael Elsea, the Bluff Park native whose YouTube channel has exploded thanks to his wild crosscountry adventures rescuing rare and rusted cars. His journey from drift racer to fulltime content creator is as entertaining as it is unexpected.

Then we shift gears for a different kind of restoration, sharing the heartfelt story behind “Betty,” a 1965 Mustang rebuilt in honor of a father’s legacy. Ken and Jen Mishalanie open up about memory, perseverance, and the meaning woven into every inch of the car.

This issue also includes our regular columns, with Kyle Foshee and George Elliott whose storytelling continues to capture the heart of Bluff Park.

Thank you for reading, sharing, and supporting the stories that make this community shine. I’m grateful to help tell them.

Heather Skaggs, Content Director Instagram: @bpal_heathers_corner

CARE IN HOOVER Editor’s Note

WORLD-RENOWNED

Meet Terry and Rhonda Harris and their legendary corgi Barney

BY GEORGE ELLIOTT

When you think about the South, a host of images come to mind. Two of the best, though, are a front porch and a good ol’ dog. Terry and Rhonda Harris have both.

The front porch at their Farley Road home is a place to sit or rock and just talk with each other or with friends who happen to drop by. Primarily, they say, friends drop by to visit “The Mayor of Bluff Park,” their dog, Barney, a fiveyear-old Cardigan Welsh Corgi.

Children roll down their windows as they ride by on the way to school and holler, “Hey, Barney.” Or they ride up on their bikes after school just to hug Barney’s neck and lovingly rub his fur.

“We named him after the deputy sheriff, Barney, in the Mayberry TV show,” Terry said. “In fact, we love that show so much that we can quote dialogue from many episodes. At one time, our Barney had his own 38-caliber bullet that he wore around his neck, just like the TV Barney.”

“He’s really special. He can tell you a hundred different feelings in his eyes,” Terry said. “He’s smart. When we visit Wild Birds Unlimited to buy bird feed, we’ve been told we’re banned unless we bring Mayor Barney with us,” they said. “We often take him to Home Depot, too. In both places, he knows exactly where they keep dog treats and just waits until they give him one or two. When we take him walking, he’ll hear someone walking behind us and just stop until

they catch up and pet him.”

“Barney’s an easygoing dog who loves people, especially children. We’ve made so many new friends because of him. He’s a legend, sort of like having your own ‘royalty’ right here in Bluff Park,” said Terry.

When Barney is ready for some shuteye, he goes directly to Terry. But when it’s time to play, Rhonda is his best gal.

Speaking of Rhonda, she is a lifelong Bluff Parker; she grew up here and still lives in the home where she grew up. Terry attended Banks and Woodlawn

High Schools, and Rhonda went to Berry High School, back when it was part of the county. Terry studied accounting at Jeff State, and Rhonda went to the University of Alabama.

Rhonda and Terry’s story is interesting (Barney would agree.) Terry, a parttime bouncer at Beau Mondays in Birmingham, met Rhonda one night, when she was on a date. Her date asked if she found Terry cute. She said yes, but her date left her stranded, so she called her mother. Later, she returned with friends, flirted with Terry, who found her lack of flirting skills adorable. He asked for her number, called her, and despite rough patches here and there, they’ve now been married 43 years.

Rhonda’s mother offered to sell her Bluff Park home to the couple on one condition: she would come with the house. They bought it immediately, and Rhonda’s mother lived with them for 32 years until her death in 2015.

It was a good deal for both Terry and Rhonda. Rhonda and her mother are Greek, and both excellent cooks of Greek cuisine. Not to mention, Rhonda has many aunts and uncles who own prominent Greek restaurants and hot dog stands throughout the Birmingham area. In fact, her mother worked for a while at the Gold Nugget Restaurant, one of Birmingham’s fine dining establishments. Rhonda participates in Birmingham’s Greek Food Festival annually. Needless to say, Terry has never lacked for outstanding meals, and Rhonda always had her mother nearby.

Terry, Rhonda, and Barney are just plain good and friendly folks. When asked what words best describe each of them, Rhonda describes Terry as easygoing,

fun-loving, sentimental, and, above all else, a storyteller. As for Rhonda, Terry says she’s a quiet person with a great personality, no-nonsense (you always know where you stand), a great listener, and a great supporter.” And Barney, well, quite simply, they say he’s the love of their lives.

After living in Bluff Park for over 60 years, Rhonda remembers a time when there weren’t many houses around them, they had groceries delivered to the house, and you could ride your bikes to Mr. Jake’s soda fountain.

“Even though more and more people, particularly young people, and their families, are moving to Bluff Park, we find most everyone friendly.” Rhonda said. “Neighbors speak to you as you walk, and some of them come sit on our porch with us just to chat. It’s peaceful up here. Bluff Park retains its ‘small town’ atmosphere while continuing to grow. We’re happy to be a part of it.”

Now about Terry’s storytelling talents. After his retirement from Jefferson County, he drove a school bus for the Hoover City Schools. The children on his bus were a ready-made audience for his creative storytelling. So, he started telling ghost stories, not scary, as he drove the children to and from school. One was about a teacher named Mrs. Tinker who hated storms, and on any rainy day, you can hear her walking the halls with her cane.

One day, a principal asked Terry, “Who the heck is Mrs. Tinker?” Realizing he was busted, Terry began to tell her the story, and she loved it.

Another of Terry’s talents is his “World Famous BBQ hot dogs,” as he calls them. He cooks them in a very special way, just like his dad did when he was a little boy. “People can’t resist them,” he said.

Both Terry and Rhonda are also avid archers. Terry served as president of the Alabama Society of Traditional Bowmen for four years. He also serves as the marketing director for the Archery Hall of Fame & Museum in Springfield, Missouri. He brought an idea to life for a signature bow and a book of renowned archers, both of which are now displayed at the Archery Hall of Fame & Museum.

His latest project is bringing the Byron Ferguson Foundation’s first annual “Become the Arrow Classic” to Tannehill State Park. The traditional archery event raises money for the Children’s Hospital of Alabama.

So, if you’re out walking along Farley Road and you hear friendly barking and see two smiling people rocking slowly on their porch, stop for a moment, come hear a story about ghosts, good Greek cooking, BBQ, or archery, and most importantly, meet Mayor Barney and give him a scratch behind his ears. After all, making new friends on a porch is the Southern way.

Legacy of “Betty”

A Father–Son Mustang Story

By Hollie Brown

For most people, a 1965 Mustang is simply a classic car. For Ken and Jen Mishalanie, however, “Betty” represents decades of memories, perseverance, and the lasting bond between a father and son.

Today, the restored Mustang turns heads everywhere it goes, but when Ken first brought the car home in the 1980s, few people could see the vision. The vehicle was little more than the shell of a car — no windshield, no interior, no engine, and seats stuffed into a bag.

“There’s a story,” Ken recalled. “Dad found a ’67 out in Jasper. When we went to look at it, the guy also had this frame of a car in his garage— a ‘65 Mustang.”

Ken already owned a coupe at the time, but the stripped-down Mustang immediately caught his attention. While his family laughed at what appeared to be a hopeless project, Ken saw potential. After negotiating a deal, his father drove the ‘67 home and the guy delivered the ‘65 to Ken’s house.

“I had a vision no one else saw,” he said.

That vision was rooted in years spent working alongside his father, Phillip. Ken explained that his father, who worked on aircraft in the Army, taught him mechanics at an early age.

“As soon as I was big enough to hold a wrench, he put one in my hand and told me to learn,” Ken said.

Over the years, the Mustang became more than a restoration project. It became a reflection of the relationship between father and son. Ken and Phillip tackled projects together, always encouraging one another to push forward.

“Dad and I always reflected off each other,” Ken said. “If one of us said we can’t do that, the other one said yes we can.”

Although the Mishalanies purchased the car decades ago, the full restoration process did not truly begin until 2021. Ken and Jen wanted to ensure the project was completed correctly and took their time searching for the right professional to help bring the car back to life.

That search eventually led them to Terry Rich, who proved to be exactly the person they needed for the job.

Terry, who played a major role in the Mustang’s restoration, said the project was about far more than rebuilding a car. “We don’t really build cars. We restore memories,” he shared.

Throughout the restoration, Terry focused on honoring the memories Ken shared with his father, Phillip,

while helping guide the project in a direction that stayed true to their vision. He explained that many classic car restorations carry deep sentimental value, making it important to understand the family history connected to the vehicle.

Terry said one of his favorite parts of the process was seeing the paint and GT striping come together,

joking that “sometimes the car will talk to you and tell you what it wants.” While Ken was initially hesitant to replace portions of the worn interior, Terry helped him envision what the finished car could

become, ultimately creating what he believes Philip and Ken would have wanted all along.

For Terry, what makes the Mustang truly special is not simply the car itself, but the memories attached to it. “Anybody with a big paycheck can go buy a car,” he said. “But to have your family life intertwined in it — that’s what makes it special.”

The restoration itself came with challenges. Over the years, Ken realized some earlier work needed to be redone properly, and trustworthy craftsmanship was important to the couple. Still, giving up was never truly an option.

“I always said ‘someday,’” Ken said. “I never gave up. I paused.”

Everything changed in 2022 when Phillip passed away. Jen became emotional while reflecting on that time, explaining that finishing the Mustang suddenly carried a much deeper meaning for their family.

The project was no longer simply about restoring a car — it became about honoring Phillip’s memory.

One of the most meaningful tributes can be found on the custom license plate

reading “4PHILLIP.” Another sentimental detail is the set of 351 badges that remain on the vehicle. While the engine has since been changed due to no longer being functional, the badges remain in memory of the original engine Phillip helped install years ago.

Jen explained that some car enthusiasts argue the badges are not technically correct for the car’s current setup, but for the Mishalanies, the meaning behind them matters far more than perfection.

The restoration was officially completed in the summer of 2025, though Jen says the project will never truly be finished. While the couple worked to preserve many of the Mustang’s original features, they also incorporated modern touches to make the car more practical and enjoyable to drive. For Ken, however, one feature stands above the rest — the paint job, which he describes as his favorite part of the completed restoration.

“It’s never a finished product,” Jen said. “We’ll continue to add and change things as time goes on.”

For Ken, however, one thought still lingers.

His biggest regret, he said, is that Phillip never had the chance to see the completed restoration.

Even so, pieces of Phillip remain woven throughout every inch of the car — from the badges to the license plate to the memories created along the way. Today, Betty stands not only as a beautifully restored Mustang, but also as a rolling tribute to family, vision, and perseverance. As Terry shared during the restoration process, “There are thousands and thousands of Mustangs, but what makes this one special is the family history intertwined in it.”

And if the car itself could speak?

According to Ken, Betty would simply say, “Hey, look at me now! I’m ready for Act 2!”

Michael Elsea’s Wild World of Wheels

By Loyd McIntosh

It was about a year ago when Michael Elsea found himself in Amityville, New York, on the south shore of Long Island. Yes, that Amityville, the setting of one of the scariest movies ever made. He may not have been in the midst of a life-ordeath situation, but this predicament did have some tense and surreal moments.

He’s traveled all the way from his home in Bluff Park to buy a rusted-out, beaten-to-death, overgrown-with-weeds 1993 Toyota Supra Turbo. Now for the real scary part - paying for the car and getting this thing home.

“I drove from here to there with a friend of mine, even though I didn’t even have the money to buy this thing,” says Elsea, adding he could see the rooftop of the real Amityville Horror house from where the Baltic blue metallic Supra sat wasting away.

“I’ve never seen this vehicle,” he adds, “and I’m what, 20 hours and over a thousand miles from home?”

By the next morning, the money needed to purchase the car hits his bank ac-

count, and Elsea, who has never been to New York, realizes he may have to push this car back to Alabama. However, before long, he has the Supra running and is driving the jalopy straight through the heart of the Big Apple - albeit accidentally.

“I buy this thing, first thing in the morning, and we can barely get it to jump off. The bumper’s hanging off, there’s weeds all over, and there’s a flat tire,” says Elsea. “We finally got it to jump off and I didn’t turn the car off for hours to, hopefully, make sure the battery would charge.

“I made a wrong turn somewhere and ended up in downtown Manhattan,” he adds. “I’ve never been there before, and there’s no tag and no insurance on this car. I don’t know what I was doing.”

This may sound like a tall tale, but, fortunately, Elsea documented the ordeal on Elsea’s World, his YouTube channel devoted to his passion for finding some of the world’s rarest - and, usually, inoperable - automotive artifacts and restoring them to their former glory. And, lucky for him and car enthusiasts all over the globe, his channel has taken off in a big way, gaining more than 7 million views since posting his first restoration in mid-2025.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14

A Hoover native, Elsea has been a gearhead all his life. He grew up watching his father tinker with cars in the family driveway for hours. Before long, Elsea could be found bent over the engine compartments, learning his way around automobiles.

He attended college for finance and accounting; however, he was always drawn to the smell of motor oil and burning rubber. He spent several years doing collision work at Tom Williams Ford while traveling the country as a competitive drift racer on the side, a motorsport where drivers earn style points for intentionally sending their cars into sideways slides at stupid-high speeds.

doned cars, such as a BMW M3, a completely roached out Nissan 350Z, and a Lexus LS400 with 1 million miles on the odometer.

As you can imagine, drift racing gave Elsea an education on restoring beat-up cars. It also opened the door to a community of fellow car enthusiasts and content creators who would later help him navigate the world of YouTube.

“I would take a piece of junk and make it a nice drift car and have fun with it and sell it, and make a little money and then get a nicer car,” says Elsea. “Through that, I got to know quite a few YouTubers, and we all got along really well.

“I was making videos like a lot of people do when they’re doing things and I would make these YouTube videos, but they would get no views,” adds Elsea. “Without those people helping me, I would have never made it”

With a second child on the way and enough encouragement from his network of friends, Elsea quit his day job and jumped into restoring cars and YouTubing full-time. Today, he operates out of a garage in Shelby County, where he works on a rotating cast of rare, wrecked, and weird automobiles that he finds all over the nation.

During the last two years, he has filmed the restoration of an array of aban-

Elsea is currently working on one of the rarest machines he’s ever seen: a 1990 Renault Alpine Turbo. A line of rear-engined, turbocharged sports cars introduced by the French car maker in the mid-1980s, this particular car spent much of its life in Tokyo before finding its way to a shop in Shelby County, Alabama. Elsea says everything about it is disorienting to the typical American motorist: the controls are labeled in French, the speedometer reads in kilometers, and the windshield wipers move in the “wrong” direction.

“The windshield wipers go from out to in. Everything is different. I love it,” says Elsea about the car, which has earned the nickname “the Croissant.”

The channel has found a devoted audience, and it’s not just car people who are watching. While his videos appeal to anyone who has ever slowed to gawk at a hot-rodded hooptie, anyone with an interest in history, preservation, pop culture, or just general cool stuff will appreciate Elsea’s World.

“It’s many late nights; all-nighters just editing videos or down here at the shop trying to get a car done,” says Elsea, “but, here we are two years later, and it’s like, wow, this is a dream job!”

Find Elsea’s World online: Instagram @elseasworld; Youtube @ElseasWorld

Through the Lens with George Elliott

George Elliott is a Bluff Park based photographer whose other careers have included being a public relations executive with BellSouth and the Executive Director of the Nonprofit Resource Center of Alabama. An accomplished photographer, you can find his work at art shows around central Alabama. Contact him at gbjt68@att.net

Two Angels, Eight Lessons: Turning Loss into Love and Hope

Remembering a loved one who has died is always important. It is a special way to acknowledge that a person lived on this earth and made a difference.

In my case, losing our daughter and our grandson led me to write a children’s book called Two Angels: Eight Lessons Learned On Earth.

In June 1995, Amelia Elliott, our 17-year-old daughter, died with three other YMCA Camp Cosby counselors in a car-train accident. In June 2020, our 20-year-old grandson, Tyson Stewart, also died in an accident.

Shortly after Tyson’s death, as an act of remembrance, I wanted to tell the world what I felt was important to both him and Amelia…some of life’s lessons that could encourage children and young people to make the world a better place for themselves and others.

My family has found that moments of tragedy bring tears, but they also offer us opportunities to share what’s truly important. Writing about our two angels has brought them back to life for us. We have heard their voices again, seen their smiles, and heard their laughter. “Two Angels: Eight Lessons Learned On Earth” tells their stories and offers us all valuable lessons to live by.

The book begins with Tyson trying to hold on to Heaven’s clouds and yelling “HELP. HELP… I’m falling.” A young Amelia Angel is floating by and hears his pleas and runs over to give him her hand. She then touches his shoulders and gives him the wings he’ll need to get around in Heaven.

Both Amelia Angel (who is Tyson’s aunt) and Angel T, as he calls himself, introduce themselves and find out how they had both come to Heaven so soon. Amelia Angel said she’d been wanting to write down some things that children and young people should always do while they are alive on earth. Angel T agreed to help her. They developed eight important lessons that they felt should be practiced daily.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18

The eight lessons are:

• Smile

• Be Kind

• Laugh A Lot

• Think Before Speaking Or Acting

• Find Out What Excites You

• Give Your Family And Loved Ones Hugs

• Give Hope To People

• Tell People You Love Themw

The book ends with Amelia Angel telling Angel T that they should do those things in Heaven, too, and asking him for a big angel hug.

Writing about our two angels brought the simple lessons at the heart of their lives that have guided us through our grief and honored their memory. We hope these reminders inspire children, young people, and all of us to make the world a kinder, more loving place, carrying forward the light Amelia and Tyson brought into our lives.

Books are available for order by email to gbephotos@yahoo.com. The cost is $12 plus shipping. A portion of each sale goes to The Amelia Center, a grief assistance center for parents who have lost a child and children who have lost siblings. Read more about the Amelia Center in the sidebar.

The Amelia Center is a place of HOPE for grieving children, parents, and families.

Named for Amelia Elliott, the daughter of George and Jerrie Elliott, she was one of four Camp Cosby counselors who died in a car-train accident on June 26, 1995.

The Center began in July 1997 and is a department of Children’s Health System. It provides professional counseling, support groups, and training for children and parents grieving the death of a loved one. All services are free of

charge, but donations are accepted.

During its nearly 30 years of operation, the Center’s well-trained and compassionate staff has brought hope to more than 30,000 individuals. The Center also holds an annual educational seminar for professionals and caregivers who serve grief-stricken individuals. Additionally, in honor of Children’s Memorial Day, each

December the Center hosts a Vigil during which the names of children who have died are read and their photos are shown.

The Amelia Center is located at 1513 Fourth Avenue South. For more information, call 205-638-7181 or visit its website at www.ameliacenter.org, where information for clients and physicians is available.

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This Bluff Park teen’s hard work pays off A Cut Above

By June Mathews

Lexie Beard is not your average student. Not by a longshot. In fact, the recent Spain Park High School graduate is so non-average that she was recently named one of the recipients of a prestigious Finley Award.

While Lexie embodies the characteristics that the award stands for, she also did what it took to earn it. But she’ll be the first to say she didn’t do it alone.

“I think it’s just the product of what my community has built up for me,” she said. “I’ve had so many mentors, so many friends, so many family members pour into my life to make me who I am today. It’s their character, it’s the way they live their lives that I copy and want to bring out in myself, too. Winning this award has shown me that I’ve been surrounding myself with the right people.”

Named for longtime Berry High School coach, Bob Finley, the annual Finley Awards celebrate character education, each year honoring one senior from Spain Park, one senior from Hoover High School, and one Hoover City Schools employee, who best exemplify outstanding character.

Unlike the many awards programs that focus on academic or athletic achievement, the Finley program looks at the “whole person,” valuing kindness, work ethic, and a commitment to doing what is right, even when no one is watching.

“Lexie is just the epitome of this award,” said Spain Park history teacher Jill Wallace. “She is always doing the right thing. She is kind to others. She’s a leader. She works hard when nobody is watching, and I know that’s one of the characteristics people always said about Bob Finley – that he would be out doing the things that nobody else wanted to do. And that’s Lexie. That’s what she does.”

The daughter of Lavon and LaToya Beard of Bluff Park, Lexie exhibited an unusual capacity for getting things done early in life.

“Lexie has always been the child that works very hard throughout her life on everything she does,” said LaToya. “She gives a thousand percent, and we’ve seen it from when she was little.”

One peek at Lexie’s high school resume will tell you just how far all that hard work has taken her: She was drum major of the SPHS band for two years, chaplain of the SGA, school ambassador, president of the school’s chapter of the National Honor Society, a member of the Key Club – and all this while taking a full slate of AP classes.

On top of all that, it seems her favorite pastime outside of school is making life better for others while making new friends and reconnecting with old ones everywhere she goes.

“I volunteer a lot,” she said. “I’ve volunteered at McWane Science Center

during the summers since eighth grade, and at UAB Hospital every summer since sophomore year, and it’s really fun to learn about the hospital.”

Lexie also volunteers with Youth Serve, an organization that promotes youth volunteerism and leadership in different communities and with Hoover Juniorettes, a high school service club for girls. She is also a member of the 2025 graduating class of Youth Leadership Birmingham.

“I really appreciate that one because I made a lot of friends outside of school organizations,” she said. “I met so many people I would have never crossed paths with otherwise, and a lot of them volunteer or do some of the same things I do. So, I see them in other aspects of my life as well.”

One of Lexie’s most impressive credentials, however, goes back to kindergarten when she became a member of the Girl Scouts. She ages out of the organization this year. Her troop – the same troop of friends she started out with – recently got together for an end-of-the-year party, which doubled as a celebration of Lexie’s 18th birthday.

“We were really close, and it’s always fun to hang out with them because we all go to different schools,” she said. “So, it’s good to just see them around.”

High school graduation behind her, Lexie is headed to Tennessee State University this fall, where she plans to major in biology and double-minor in chemistry and nonprofit management & leadership.

“Hopefully, I’ll get to go to medical school after graduating from TSU then go into ophthalmology – that’s the field I’m looking into right now – after medical school,” she said. “My specialty may switch up later, but that’s what I’m focusing on right now.”

Though Lexie’s achievements, now and in the future, can largely be attributed to good parenting, LaToya realizes they didn’t do it alone. The Beards fully appreciate the value of living in a community with a strong educational system and opportunities for civic and social involvement outside of school.

“My husband and I are very proud of her, and we feel as if, quote, ‘we did a good job,’ but we know it also took a community to make her who she is,” she said. “So, we tell others for everything they’ve done for her as well: Thank you. Thank you for pouring into Lexie.”

Back-to-School Essentials Back-to-School Essentials

Grab a #2 pencil and make some notes from our guide to add a person al touch to your kids’ school supplies this year. We have gathered some of the top items and kid-approved must-haves for this back-to-school season.

The Can’t-Miss Weekend: July 17–19, 2026

Alabama’s Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday runs Friday, July 17, at 12:01 a.m. through Sunday, July 19, at midnight. Shoppers can buy qual ifying school supplies, clothing, and computers without paying the sales tax. www.revenue.alabama.gov/sales-use/sales-tax-holidays/

Bags & Lunch Gear

Backpacks: Brands like Jansport and BAGSMART are popular with older students, while personalized backpacks have been trending among younger kids.

Lunch Boxes: bento-style systems are highly popular, as are freezable bags like PackIt and Scout.

Hydration: Stainless steel bottles continue to reign supreme. Just check your school’s policy on water bottles, for example, Bluff Park Elementary does not allow bottles with side handles like Stanley style options.

Stationery & Organization

Pens & Pencils: Erasable options like the Pilot FriXion Clicker are a staple, while colorful mechanical pencil sets are taking over social media.

Organization: Multi-compartment pencil cases like the Sooez High Capacity Case and aesthetic study planners are must-haves.

Personalized Items: Custom name tags, name-engraved pencils, and specialty keychains are dominating shopping lists as students look to easily identify their gear. Dangle Things and Keychains: It’s a thing, apparently.

Tech & Accessories

Noise-canceling headphones and earbuds.

THE MOVE TO MIDDLE SCHOOL

Fifth-grade students from Bluff Park Elementary rolled down Park Avenue during the annual “moving on up” parade, celebrating their upcoming transition to middle school. Parents, teachers, and friends lined the street with signs, cheers, and plenty of pride as the Class of 2026 passed by.

Hoover schools earn national music education honor

Hoover City Schools is one of nine school districts in Alabama to receive the 2026 Best Communities for Music Education designation from the NAMM Foundation.

The national program recognizes school districts and individual schools for exemplary commitment to music education and efforts to ensure equitable access to music learning as part of a well-rounded education.

More than 1,000 public, private, charter and parochial school systems and schools across the country earned the distinction in 2026 for providing access to high-quality music education.

“We are thrilled to receive this recognition, which reflects the strong support for music education across the entire district,” said HCS District Fine Arts Specialist Brian Cocke. “Our incredible team of music educators from elementary through high school go above and beyond every day to inspire students to grow not only as musicians, but also as active members of our community.”

Honorees were selected through a comprehensive application and review process that examined funding, instructional time, student participation, facilities and community support. Applications were independently reviewed and verified by WolfBrown, a research and evaluation firm specializing in education and the arts.

New School Positions

Blight brings championship experience, strong leadership to Buccaneer athletics

Hoover High School has selected Chris Blight as its next athletic director, bringing in a seasoned leader with a track record of competitive success and program development. Blight currently serves as athletic director at Oak Mountain High School, where he also oversees football operations and coaches the varsity girls soccer team.

During his three years guiding Oak Mountain’s athletic department, Blight helped lead programs to more than 20 playoff appearances and five state championship appearances, according to a press release. His girls’ soccer teams have compiled a 18536-16 record, earning the 2021 state title and a No. 1 national ranking in 2020. He was named the 2020 Large School Regional Coach of the Year.

“Hoover High School has a rich tradition of excellence, and it is an honor to have the opportunity to work with the Buc coaches and studentathletes,” Blight said in the announcement. He added that he looks forward to supporting athletes and strengthening relationships across all programs.

Principal Kristi Sayers said Blight’s “outstanding character, leadership skills, commitment to building strong relationships, and experience align perfectly with the school’s core values,” noting confidence in the positive impact he will have on and off the field.

Blight, who grew up in England and played collegiate soccer at Huntingdon College, also brings experience from Auburn High School, Auburn University at Montgomery, and the Birmingham Hammers, now Birmingham Legion FC. He holds degrees from Huntingdon College and Auburn University at Montgomery.

Hoover High School welcomed Blight and his family to the Buc community, noting his wife, Katie, is an HHS graduate.

Logan Greene

Lindsay Morgan Named Assistant Principal at Shades Mountain Elementary

Hoover City Schools has appointed Lindsay Morgan as the next assistant principal at Shades Mountain Elementary School, adding an experienced educator and collaborative leader to the school’s administrative team. Morgan has spent the past four years as assistant principal at Trace Crossings Elementary, where she worked closely with teachers and students across all grade levels.

Morgan joined Hoover City Schools as an exceptional education teacher before moving into school leadership. She helped establish a partnership with Samford University that places junior-year education students in classrooms for hands-on experience, a collaboration that earned her Samford’s Learning for Life Award in 2025, according to the district.

Before coming to Hoover, Morgan served as a classroom teacher and reading specialist in Tarrant City Schools. Throughout her career, she has focused on building strong relationships, supporting teachers, and creating positive learning environments where students can thrive.

“I am honored and excited for the opportunity to join the Shades Mountain Elementary community,” Morgan said in an announcement. She emphasized the importance of teamwork, relationships, and a shared commitment to students.

Shades Mountain Principal Kevin Erwin said Morgan’s leadership and dedication have already made a significant impact at Trace Crossings and will serve the school well.

“Her experience, leadership, and commitment to students will make her a wonderful addition to the Shades Mountain family,” he said.

Morgan holds a bachelor’s degree in early elementary and special education from Samford University, a master’s degree in reading education from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and post-master’s certification in instructional leadership from the University of Alabama.

Named Assistant Principal at Simmons Middle School

Hoover City Schools has appointed Logan Greene as the new assistant principal at Simmons Middle School, adding an experienced educator and district leader to the school’s administrative team. Greene joins Simmons after five years at Berry Middle School, where he taught English language arts and social studies across all grade levels.

Greene has spent 19 years in education, serving as both a teacher and coach at the middle and high school levels. His work at Berry included participating in the district’s Future Administrator Program, chairing school communications, and contributing to the textbook adoption committee. He has also presented

on instructional practices at institutions nationwide, including the National World War II Museum, Tulane University, Florida Atlantic University, and Clemson University, according to the release.

“I am thrilled to join the team at Simmons Middle School,” Greene said. He noted that his family is deeply connected to the district and praised Simmons’ long-standing tradition of preparing students for success at Hoover High

Scott Mitchell Named Chief Administrative Officer for Hoover City Schools

Hoover City Schools has appointed Scott Mitchell as the district’s next chief administrative officer, elevating a veteran educator with nearly three decades of service in the system. Mitchell has served in multiple roles since joining the district, including teacher, assistant principal, and, most recently, principal of Brock’s Gap Intermediate School.

As Hoover’s longestserving active principal, Mitchell has led Brock’s Gap to sustained academic success, earning consecutive State Report Card scores of 98, 99, and 100, according to the district. The school has also been recognized as a National School of Character and a National Green Ribbon School.

Mitchell’s leadership extends beyond the school level. He is a member of the 2026 Leadership Hoover class and has held roles with the Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools and the Alabama Association of Elementary School Administrators. His honors include the Bryan Phillips Agent of Change Award for innovation and support of technology in education.

“Fifteen years at Brock’s Gap has been a gift,” Mitchell said in the an-

nouncement. “I am thrilled to step into this new role, where I can take the lessons learned from my school family and apply them to supporting even more of our students and families across our district.”

In his new position, Mitchell will oversee district operations including transportation, student services, the alternative school program, school safety procedures, and coordination with the Hoover Police Department. He will also lead the annual review of the Student Code of Conduct and Board policies.

Superintendent Kevin Maddox said Mitchell brings “strong experience, a collaborative approach to leadership, and a focus on supporting our schools,” adding that he is widely respected across the district.

Mitchell holds degrees from the University of Montevallo, the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and an educational specialist degree in school administration. He will assume the role following the retirement of Dr. Bob Lawry and will continue serving as Brock’s Gap principal through June.

Stuff with Kyle Foshee Where the Ripples End

God, I love Lake Martin. I’ll take a rented or borrowed boat out all alone and anchor it just so I can listen to the water hit itself. If there’s no anchor, I’ll cut the boat off on one end of some deep water and let the wind and waves carry me to the other end before I move back to where I started. If it gets too hot, and it does, the water is fine.

I could sit on the water and watch the sun set every night. It would never get old, and I’d never complain about the colors. I could stay until it’s pitch black and everyone else has already gone home, so I can ride back after midnight when the water is as smooth as glass, and the only ripples are the ones left behind.

I guess I could love any lake, but this one hits different. Maybe because she and I are well acquainted. Enough of her water has shot up my nose during skiing attempts, and I have babied her forever. We get along. And I have gone through all her rites of passage.

I jumped off Chimney Rock when I was a teenager. It hurt. I did it so I could say I have, which is a terrible reason to do anything, but as I rack my mind for a better reason, I can’t find one. I’ll never do it again, and I don’t recommend it, but I’ve done it.

My complaints about the lake are not the popular ones. If I’ve heard it once, I’ve heard it a thousand times. “It’s too busy.” You just have to know the good spots, but I digress. There is no town surrounding the lake that I want to live in, so if someone forced me to choose between there and here, I’d pick here. Even if there is a house in the mountains with a writing room calling my name, I can’t justify that yet, so Bluff Park wins.

There really isn’t a particular thing I can associate with why I’d choose it. I know things I like about it. I know I like the shade and the sidewalks. The breezes and the sunsets. The night lullabies that the frogs and crickets sing. The light shows that the fireflies put on. Some of the food and most of the people. My proximity to The Pig. Park Avenue between Chapel and Farley. The bats and the hawks. The echoes the acorns make when they ricochet off metal roofs in the dead of night. The rain. The fog. The view.

I’m sure there are many places where I could get those things. But the air is better here. Purer and easier to breathe. And ya know… for a man whose ultimate ambition is to live freely and to be at peace, I can’t really ask for anything else.

Living well happens

Living with a chronic health condition doesn’t mean childhood has to stop. At Children’s of Alabama, we make sure kids can keep doing what they do best—laughing, playing, and simply being kids. With expert care, advanced treatments, and a team that never stops believing in brighter days, we help families navigate their healthcare journey with confidence, strength, and hope.

Learn more at ChildrensAL.org

We are here in your neighborhood at Greenvale Pediatrics - Hoover. Call 205-987-4444 to schedule an appointment.

BUSINESSES NEWS

New Businesses

Opening a business in Bluff Park? Let us know!

CHURCH EVENTS

July 13‑17: VBS Rainforest Falls. Bluff Park United Methodist Church

The theme this year is Rainforest Falls - Exploring the Nature of God. This event is free and open to rising 4K-5th grade. From 8:30am to noon each day, kids will experience opening worship, music, imagination station, recreatin, Bible story time and closing celebration. Register online, email bluffparkumc@gmail.com or call 205-822-0910

COMMUNITY EVENTS

July 6, 13, 20, 27: Monday Night Run

Brocks’ Gap Brewing Company. 5:30 - 8:30 pm

Every Monday night join a friendly jog through the Trace Crossings and other neighborhoods. All paces are welcome during the 3 or 5 mile run.

July 7: Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia

Hoover Public Library, Friends Meeting Room, 4:00 - 5:00 pm

The Alzheimer’s Association will provide basic information on the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia, the stages, risk factors, research and FDA-funded approved treatments.

July 14: Roadside Geology of Alabama

Hoover Public Library, Plaza, 6:00 - 8:00 pm

Explore the bounty of Alabama’s geology with authors Mark and Laura Steltenpohl. Alabama’s rocks preserve over a billion years of Earth history, including tracks of early amphibians and reptiles, a dinosaur egg, and ancient fossils of African animals. The authors share selected stories of the state’s geologic past gathered from their travels across Alabama’s roadways. Age group: adults.

July 15, 16, 23: Basic Mahjong Lessons

Hoover Public Library, Adult Program Room, 6:30 - 8:00 pm

Mahjong lessons introduce beginners to the tile-based game, covering fundamental rules, strategies, and game play. Classes will focus on the American version of Mahjong, teaching how to identify tiles, understand hand formations, and learn scoring systems. Class is limited to eight people. All supplies will be provided. Age group: adults.

July 21: Kick Off Kindergarten

Hoover Public Library, Children’s Department, 10:30 am to noon. Welcome to the class of 2039! Choose a “Going to Kindergarten” button, grab a starting-school picture book to check out and rotate through a variety of stations that mirror the school day -- art, library, math, music, recess, science and snack.

July 25: 90’s Saturday

Brock’s Gap Brewing Company 7:00 - 10:00pm

Get ready for an evening of 1990s rock as Creed and Nickelback tribute bands take the stage alongside special guests and popular ‘90s rock cover band Midlife Crisis. The high-energy event promises a night filled with nostalgic hits and classic rock favorites for fans of the era.

August 3, 10, 17, 24, 31: Monday Night Run

Brocks’ Gap Brewing Company. 5:30 - 8:30 pm

Every Monday night join a friendly jog through the Trace Crossings and other neighborhoods. All paces are welcome during the 3 or 5 mile run.

August 4: Managing Money: A Caregiver’s Guide to Finances

Hoover Public Library, Friends Meeting Room, 4:00 - 5:00 pm

This evidence-based session helps caretakers understand the costs of caregiving and the benefits of early planning, and teaches them how to start a conversation about finances, assess financial and legal needs, avoid financial abuse and fraud, and find support when needed. Presented by the Alzheimer’s Association.

August 4: Ice Age in Alabama

Hoover Public Library, Fitzgerald Room, 6:00 8:00 pm

This program will introduce guests to Alabama’s Ice Age, then participants will use an Ice Age matrix to find real Alabama Ice Age fossils.

Our presenter, Jun Ebersole, is the Director of Collections at McWane Science Center in Birmingham, Alabama and oversees the second largest natural history collection in the state. Jun is an archaeologist and paleontologist and has over 40 peer-reviewed publications in archaeology, paleontology, and history.

August 8 9: Southern Trade Days Hoover Finley Center, Saturday 10:00 am - 6:00 pm and Sunday 11:00 am5:00 pm

This year Southern Trade Days is in partnership with The Flip Trade Show, bringing two shows together under one roof for an expanded shopping experience featuring nearly 100,000 square feet of vendor space. The indoor, family-friendly event will include vendors offering new and vintage items, collectibles, antiques, handmade goods, outdoor and sporting products, food, and more, along with live music, kids entertainment, face painting, free arcade play, balloon twisting and additional family activities. General admission is $10, and children 13 and under are admitted free.

August 15: Birding Basics

Cahaba Riverchase Greenway, 9:00 am - 11:00 am

Learn the basics of birdwatching with expert Greg Harber during an educational session covering bird identification, essential equipment, birding locations, bird lists, and more. Harber, a longtime member and board member of Alabama Audubon, brings decades of birding experience to the program. Attendees are encouraged to bring binoculars and cameras if available. Registration is required, and young children and dogs are discouraged from attending.

August 30: Top Shelf Mai Tais & Comedy/Improv!

Hoover Public Library, Plaza, 6:00 - 8:00 pm. Celebrate National Mai Tai Day by drinking cocktails and enjoying a performance by Etc. Improv. 21+, ID required. Born out of Oakland, California, the tasty Mai Tai cocktail celebrates all things Tiki! We will sip and enjoy the Extemporaneous Theatre Company as they explore the boundaries of spontaneous ensemble theatre - they will explain the process and entertain the crowd. Etc. was formed in 2008 and includes a cast of characters from all walks of Birmingham night life. Become a part of live theatre on the Plaza stage!